Scored 605 on first attempt; Need advice on changing my study strategy

Question

Hi everyone,

I recently took the GMAT and scored 605 on my first attempt (Q80, V81, DI79)

I am applying for Master's in Management programs in Europe and the main reason I took the GMAT is to get a scholarship. I have until January to complete my applications so I can only take the GMAT in December, which gives me roughly 2-3 weeks to prep.

I wonder what I need to change in my study strategy to get my desired score, 655+.

I am not a native speaker so I think my verbal score is as good as it gets. I want to focus more on Quant and DI, and especially on managing my time during these parts. I did experience significant time problems with DI and Verbal during the exam.

What do you suggest I should do that would give me the best increase in score in 2 weeks? I am planning on re-solving all the questions OG Reviews as I haven't had the time to finish everything before.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!

pintukr · Answer

You may plan attempting questions using Forum Quiz. While solving questions, keep increasing the difficulty level gradually.

All the Best.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

One thing that may help a bit is using question/time markers. Doing timed practice sets could also be helpful. You could use the online platform the Official-Guides come with to create them, for example. If you've done all the official-guide/review questions, the online only question banks from the MBA website could be worth checking out.

Ayeka · Answer

Regularly take sectional test or full length mocks until exam day. This can help you to maintain focus for longer time and can also help with time management.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi billybobbiebubble,

605 is not a bad start. Engaging in topical practice is a great way to move forward for the next few weeks leading to your GMAT.

For example, let’s say you want to practice Number Properties. You can do so by answering 50 or more questions just from Number Properties: LCM, GCF, units digit patterns, divisibility, remainders, etc. 
After each problem set, it's crucial to delve into the questions you answered incorrectly. For instance, if you stumbled on a remainder question, take a moment to reflect. Was it a careless error? Did you fail to apply the remainder formula correctly? Was there a concept in the question that eluded you? This analysis is key to your learning process.

By carefully analyzing your mistakes, you will be able to fix your weaknesses efficiently and, in turn, improve your GMAT quant skills. Number Properties is just one example; follow this process for all quant, verbal, and DI topics.

Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Good luck!

billybobbiebubble · Answer

Focusing on doing more timed practice tests sound like a good idea! I'll use that advice, thanks!

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Scored 605 on first attempt; Need advice on changing my study strategy

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards